#*#*#*#*# (C) 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#*#
-----------------------------------------------------------
| Rashi is Simple Version 2.0 |
| (C) RashiYomi Inc., Dr Hendel President |
| http://www.RashiYomi.Com |
| PERMISSION to reprint WITH this header if NOT for profit |
------------------------------------------------------------
VERSE: Nu20-08a
========== ALIGNMENT OF Nu20-04 and Ex17-03 #A =================
We align Nu20-04 and Ex17-03 both of which deal with
problems of water shortages. Each difference in phraseology
is noted and we then attempt to explain it.
Although Rashi only explains difference #5 we think it
enriches understanding of Rashi if we explain all differences
The basic distinction between the EXODUS and NUMBER drought
can be found in difference #2 below. In Exodus there is
mention of THIRST. In other words the lack of water had
ALREADY produced a drought which gave an air of urgency.
By contrast, in NUMBERS, the Jews had only lost their
water source. There was NOT YET an urgency. This difference
between an URGENT DROUGHT vs NEED FOR ANOTHER WATER SOURCE
will facilitate our understanding the differences in
phrases noted below.
================================================================
VERSE PHRASE 1 PHRASE 2 PHRASE 3
======== ============= ========== ====================
Nu20-04 we ---*1--- & animals will die ---*2--
Ex17-03 we,the children & animals will die of thirst
CONTRAST *1 *2
NOTES
=====
*1 As can be seen in footnote #2, THIRST was emphasized in
Exodus. Apparently in Exodus the drought had reached
the stage where they were parched while in Numbers they
simply lost a water source.
Hence it is reasonable that in Exodus they were worried
especially about their children.
*2 As can be seen THIRST was emphasized more in
Exodus. Apparently in Exodus the drought had reached
the stage where they were parched while in Numbers they
simply lost a water source.
For a further justification that the Jews just lost a
water source in Numbers see URL
http://www.RashiYomi.Com/nu20-01b.htm which derives
this crucial fact from a juxtaposition of paragraphs
================================================================
========== ALIGNMENT OF Nu20-04 and Ex17-03 #B =================
================================================================
VERES PHRASE 1 PHRASE 2 PHRASE 3
======== ========== ========== ===========
Nu20-08 -*3- Rock will give its water
Ex17-06 From Rock will come *3 water
CONTRAST *3 *3 *3
NOTES
=====
*3 Recall the basic distinction from footnote #2 that
THIRST is mentioned in Exodus but not in Numbers. We
infer that in Exodus there was actual drought and urgency
By contrast in Numbers there was merely loss of a water
source; there was not yet drought. Hence the situation
was less urgent.
Consequently the remedy to the two situations was different.
In Exodus God, if necessary,would use force to give water
Moses was instructed to STRIKE the rock so that FROM it
would COME water (even though the water did not normally
come from this rock--ie. it was not a spring)
By contrast, in Numbers God was going to provide an
alternative water source. Hence Moses was instructed to
speak to the Rock so that it would GIVE its NATURAL
WATERS. I would simply suggest that this rock (in Numbers)
had a hollow in it from which water periodically sprung
forth (when there was a source below). Hence the verse
in Numbers states the Rock will GIVE ITS WATER since there
was a natural spring below.
================================================================
========== ALIGNMENT OF Nu20-04 and Ex17-03 #C =================
================================================================
VERES PHRASE 1 PHRASE 2 PHRASE 3
======== ============ ====================== ===========
Nu20-08 & You water the nation & its flock ----*4----
Ex17-06 & ----*4--- the nation ---*5------ will drink
CONTRAST *4 *5 *4
NOTES
=====
*4 Recall from footnote #2 above that THIRST was emphasized
in Exodus but not in Numbers. It follows that the drought
was more dire in Exodus. Hence in Exodus the people
were immediately allowed to drink. By contrast in Numbers
where there was not yet THIRST we have a more leisurely
pace. Moses was first allowed to WATER the flock.
*5 Recall from Footnote #2 that THIRST was mentioned in
Exodus showing a more urgent situation. By
contrast in Numbers they simply lost their water
source but they were not yet in a state of THIRST.
Hence in Exodus the emphasis was on preventing dehydration;
it was the people and children (footnote #1) that had
to receive water.
But in Numbers this urgency was absent. HENCE CONCLUDES
RASHI, if BOTH the water needs of the nation and its
flock are mentioned in Numbers it shows that God
cared not only about the people but about their wealth
also.
Indeed, if God did not care about Jewish wealth, then
God could WAIT till the animals die and only then save
the people. Precisely by giving them water immediately
God showed concern for both the people and their
possessions.
================================================================
RASHI RULE USED: DOUBLE PARSHAS
---------------------------------------------------
WARNING: The following additional references may be too wordy
However they frequently contain additional information & lists
The hyperlinks only work on the main website
Volume 10 Number 20
#*#*#*#*# (C) 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President #*#*#*#*#
Volume 10 Number 20